Bruins even stronger despite offseason movement

Five core players from last year’s Bruins are not with the 2013-14 version that will start off the season against Tampa Bay on Thursday night. Of the five, the ex-Bruin whose departure created the most significant vacancy is a skilled, Formula 1-fast right wing who can also play center.

Rich Peverley will be missed more than Tyler Seguin, Nathan Horton, Andrew Ference, and Anton Khudobin.

Otherwise, the Bruins head into the season opener as if it’s business as usual. A team that replaced three of its four right wings will hum along as if no roster churn happened.

“We’re trying to build a winner,” said general manager Peter Chiarelli. “That’s where our expectations are.”